India bounced back from a tough night at Christchurch to defeat New Zealand four wickets for 34 runs in a series victory. With four wickets in the books, the hosts had to produce the largest successful T20I chase to cross the line on reaching 225.
India’s main worry was in the fourth over’s run when New Zealand struck back. The final 5 overs produced 67 runs and the hosts had a formidable total even on the ground which would favour the high scoring batters. All the five Indian bowlers gave up over 40 runs.
The Kiwis put it together late, with Glenn Phillips finishing unbeaten on 82. He had the back-up of Bevon Jacobs who added those 73 runs often with a flurry of aggression. Finn Allen had scored 45 earlier to give New Zealand the opportunity to go much further than 200.
India’s reply was a testament to the fact that they still have a batting line-up that is a weapon. Sanju Samson got 67 off 33 to build a Powerplay of 93 and Abhishek Sharma added 29 from 12 to raise the Powerplay score to 122. The opening attack gave India the lead over the requisite pace before the New Zealand spinners came up with the field.
The middle of the day saw Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner make it more difficult to score. Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan were unable to put together any big score as Samson walked off after trying to make a wide delivery. India, it was suddenly necessary that it should strike up a fresh partnership instead of another outburst of personal aggression.
It was provided by Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer. Axar hit in 24 runs off 14 deliveries and Iyer added 42. New Zealand were given chances to take control but Iyer had his chance when he dropped the catch.
The one momentous phase was of Naman Dhir. Dhir was unbeaten on 42 off 15 balls as India needed runs after Iyer’s wicket fell. In the final over, he attacked and scored four and then six, sealing the chase with a 17, 230 for six.
Mayank Yadav picked up one wicket for 40 runs while Arshdeep Singh got Daryl Mitchell out during New Zealand’s innings. The hosts were able to post their best T20I mark at home despite their efforts.
It was a game that had two stark contrasts: the effort that the Indian bowlers put up will have to be more precise if the team is to contain their opponents at this scoring rate, while the challenge that the Indians were set (110) was overcome with great spirit by their batters.
Scores: New Zealand 225/4 (Glenn Phillips 82, Finn Allen 45); India 230/6 in 19.4 overs (Sanju Samson 67, Naman Dhir 42, Shreyas Iyer 42). India won the game by four wickets.
